We also see evidence of this progress in the African economy，which has been growing at more than 5percent over the past decade.A recent African Development Bank report measured the rise of the middle class in Africa，totaling 313million out of 1billion Africans.The countries experiencing exceptional growth in their middle class include Ghana，Mozambique，Mali，Tanzania，Cape Verde，Botswana，Burkina Faso and Rwanda.This middle class is changing the face of Africa.We are moving away from dependence on extractive industries and agriculture.There is a rising consumer class that helped brace Africa during the global economic crisis.This is emblematic not only of the progress in purchasing power in Africa，but in the progress that means you can still put food on the table for your family when the rains fail，that you can engage intelligently in political debates and hold your leaders accountable.
Instability and years of conflict in Liberia have pushed us to the bottom of this table in terms of the size of our middle class.We stubbornly refuse to accept this and are preparing a new development agenda that aims，through proper allocation of our natural resources，to graduate Liberia from development assistance in 10years，and propels us to a middle-income country by 2030.
As Africa charts its economic path，we are taking advantage of South-South partnerships as China，India，and Brazil，not to mention Nigeria and Ghana，become more significant partners in our economic expansion.Their experience is closer to ours，and our cooperation going forward will be crucial.
Even as the African renaissance appears on course，we must recognize that some of this progress is driven by the same forces of commodity demand that led to temporary gains four decades ago.We are the source of raw materials，now to India and China as well as the Western world，yet we generate the least profits from these exhaustible resources.Moreover，we remain vulnerable to external price shocks and receive very little transfer of technology，or growth in related industries.Until we begin to make products to sell，build better road and rail systems，and improve the easy movement of people and goods across our borders；until we supply the engineers and geologists and marketers of our resources，our middle class will remain stunted.
In spite of these needs，and the fundamental economics of resource extraction，everywhere I travel in Africa，I see signs of a continent rising.We are producing more，manufacturing more，trading more，and cooperating more.Words like accountability，transparency，and reform are not just the calling card of some foreign donor；they are the words that must adjudicate closed-door decisions for those governments in Africa that seek re-election.There is a growing consensus on these issues，giving me great optimism about the future of Africa’s common economy and democratic prospects.
I am excited about Africa‘s future，and more so about Liberia’s future.In a few months，the Liberian people will have the opportunity to select their political leadership.This means that Liberia will know a second peaceful democratic transition in six years：this is a country that was riven by political rivalries，tribalism，and civil war for two decades.It is，nonetheless，with cautious optimism that we approach this event and the future.Anxieties remain because we know that as impressive as Liberia‘s rebirth has been，our achievements remain fragile and reversible.
I have no personal anxieties，however，for in a decades-long career in public service，I have learned many lessons that I can share with you today.In my journey，I have come to value hope and resilience.As an actor in Liberia’s history as it has unfolded over the last 40years，I have seen these characteristics come full circle.I was there in the early‘70s，a decade after the independence movement had swept across Africa.Back then，the future appeared full of endless possibilities.Then across the continent there was a gradual descent into militarism，sectarian violence，and divisive ethnic politics.But I have been blessed with the opportunity to watch and participate as not only my nation but other African countries rise out of the ashes of war.With cautious optimism，it is my hope that I will continue to lead Liberia to consolidate and realize the dividends of peace.
As much as I have lived and experienced，what you graduates will know and do will far exceed it.History，it seems，is speeding up.After graduation，you leave the relative security，predictability，and certainty of these walls for a world full of uncertainties.Across the globe，entire societies are being transformed，new identities forged，and national stories retold.People of your age across the world are becoming increasingly vocal about how they are governed and by whom.Old templates of control have been overturned as States struggle internally with issues about national character and destiny.People who，heretofore，had no say in those conversations are asserting themselves and taking a place at the table，with or without an invitation.
Ten years ago，information about the tragic events of September 11came to us mainly through traditional media：radio，television，and……cnn.com.There was no Facebook，no YouTube，no Twitter and all the other social networking sites that my grandchildren now take for granted.In the intervening 10years，young people like yourselves have gone on to use technology to improve the overall quality of life and created wealth.In those 10years，the world has become smaller and more connected.The complex financial instruments of 10years ago would seem quaint to the hedge funds and investment banks of today.In those 10years，our markets and economies have become more connected and adjusted faster.
